Load securement device

ABSTRACT

A load securement device for securing a load to a load support structure.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.61/154,089 filed on Feb. 20, 2009.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This application discloses and claims embodiments generally related tocargo control devices, and more particularly, to a load securementdevice.

2. Description of the Related Art

Traditionally, various tie-down devices such as rope, straps, hooks, andwinches have been utilized to secure cargo and various other types ofloads. Employing the use of these conventional devices unnecessarilyrequires the use of at least two persons. Typically, one person isrequired to hold one end of the securing means, e.g., rope, whileanother is required to simultaneously pull an opposite end thereof inorder to tighten the securing means around the load. Subsequently, bothends must be securely fastened or anchored to a load support apparatusin such a manner to ensure the securing means is suitably tensionedaround the load, and to ensure the load is stabilized and secured to theload support apparatus.

The prior art does not disclose a load securement device comprising aflexible linking device having opposed magnetic attachment means.

Accordingly, a need has arisen for a load securement device adapted toallow a single individual to secure a load to a load support structurevia a flexible linking device in a quick, easy, and efficient manner.The development of the load securement device fulfills this need.

This application presents claims and embodiments that fulfill a need orneeds not yet satisfied by the products, inventions and methodspreviously or presently available. In particular, the claims andembodiments disclosed herein describe a load securement device forsecuring a load to a load support structure, the load securement devicecomprising a flexible linking device, the flexible linking devicecomprising an adjustable elongated strap, the elongated strap havingopposing ends to which an attachment means is attached, the attachmentmeans is magnetic or magnetized, and an adjustment mechanism fortensioning and removing tension from the elongated strap, wherein theload securement device providing unanticipated and nonobviouscombination of features distinguished from the products, inventions andmethods preexisting in the art. The applicant is unaware of any product,method, disclosure or reference that discloses the features of theclaims and embodiments disclosed herein.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a loadsecurement device for securing a load to a load support structure.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a loadsecurement device which includes a flexible linking device comprising anelongated flexible linking means.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an adjustmentmechanism for tensioning and removing tension from the elongated strap.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an elongatedstrap having opposed ends to each of which an attachment means isattached.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an attachmentmeans that is magnetic or magnetized.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide anelongated strap being adjustable in length to suit a size of a load.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide anattachment means which includes a body to which a magnet is suitablymounted thereto.

In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a loadsecurement device is disclosed. The load securement device comprises aflexible linking device capable of securing a load to a load supportstructure, such as the cargo bay of truck or other motor vehicle. Theflexible linking device comprises an elongated flexible linking meanstensioned or tightened via an adjustment mechanism so as to ensure theload is secured to the load support structure. The elongated flexiblelinking means includes opposed ends to each of which an attachment meansis attached. The attachment means are each defined as being magnetic ormagnetized, thereby being attracted to any magnetically attractive ormagnetically conductive surface.

An alternate embodiment is disclosed wherein the attachment means eachcomprises a body to which a magnet is suitably mounted thereto.

The use of the present invention allows a single individual to secure aload to a load support structure via the flexible linking device in aquick, easy, and efficient manner.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The advantages and features of the present invention will become betterunderstood with reference to the following more detailed description andclaims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in whichlike elements are identified with like symbols, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a load securement device, according tothe preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a partial perspective view of the flexible linking meansillustrating an attachment means attached to opposing ends thereof,according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the load securement device shown in use,according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the load securement device utilized tosecure a load to the cargo bay of a truck, according to one embodimentof the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a partial side elevational view of one end of the strap,according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a partial perspective view of the strap illustrating anattachment means attached to opposing ends thereof, according to analternate embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a partial side elevational view of one end of the strap,according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the load securement device shown in use,according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Detailed Description of theFigures

With reference to FIGS. 1-3, and 5, a load securement device 10 isdisclosed, according to one embodiment of the present invention. Theload securement device 10 comprises a flexible linking device 20 capableof securing a load 12 to a load support structure 100, such as the cargobay 130 of a truck 120 or other motor vehicle, a metal pallet supportedupon a plurality of casters (not shown) or the like. The flexiblelinking device 20 comprises a flexible linking means 21, the flexiblelinking means 21 preferably comprising an elongated strap 22 tensionedor tightened via an adjustment mechanism 30, shown herein as a ratchetmechanism 31, so as to ensure the load 12 is secured to the load supportstructure 100. It is envisioned flexible linking means 21 mayalternatively include but is not limited to, e.g., rope, chain tie-downdevices, bungee cord, winch hooks, cargo straps utilized with trucksemi-trailers, crane hooks, and shipping container hooks. The strap 22may be constructed of any suitable material that provides the requiredstrength such as high quality polyester or polypropylene. The suitablematerial provides adequate strength for the webbing of the strap 22 andaids to eliminate stretching of the webbing while the strap 22 is beingtightened.

Any conventional ratchet mechanism 31 may be utilized to tighten thestrap 22. Thus, the ratchet mechanism 31 allows the length of the strap22 to be adjusted in order to suit a size of the load 12. Generallyratchet mechanisms comprise a toothed wheel on which a pawl rests, andan actuating lever 32 for operating the ratchet. The lever 32 operatesbetween a locked closed position wherein the strap tension is maintainedand a locked open position which releases the tension load on the strap22 and allows the strap 22 to be freely pulled in the non-tensioningdirection. The operation of the lever 32 between these two positionsresults in tightening of the strap 22. The pawl is positioned so that itcan move over the teeth of the ratchet; however, once the actuatinglever 32 is in the locked closed position, the pawl engages the teeth ofthe ratchet thereby preventing movement of the strap 22 in thenon-tensioning direction.

The strap 22 includes a loop 24 formed at each end 25, 26 thereof towhich an attachment means 40, 42, respectively, is attached. Theattachment means 40, 42 are each defined as being magnetic ormagnetized, thereby being attracted to any magnetically attractive ormagnetically conductive surface. Thus, positioning attachment means 40,42 onto a magnetically attractive or a magnetically conductive surfaceensures fixed engagement by attachment means 40, 42 with themagnetically attractive or magnetically conductive surface. According toan exemplary embodiment, strap 22 is positioned over the load 12 in anoverlapping manner, and the attachment means 40, 42 are each fixedlyengaged to a respective attachment means receiving surface 101, whereineach the respective attachment means receiving surface 101 ismagnetically attractive or magnetically conductive.

The attachment means 40, 42 each further comprises an elongated planarbody 44, the body 44 being magnetic or magnetized, and wherein the body44 having an upper end 45 attached to its respective loop 24, and alower curved end 46. The body 44 further includes an upper surface 44 aand a lower surface 44 b. The lower curved end 46 of each attachmentmeans 40, 42 provides a hook portion for fixedly engaging a respectiveattachment means receiving surface 101 or hook receiving surface 102 ofthe load support structure 100, wherein the hook receiving surface 102is magnetically attractive or magnetically conductive. Morespecifically, and as illustrated in FIG. 3, the body 44 of eachattachment means 40, 42 is engaged against a respective upper edge 113,137 of the sidewall 112, 136 of the load support structure 100, or morespecifically, cargo bay 130, whereby attraction between each body 44with each respective upper edge 113, 137 ensures the engagement of thebody 44 with each respective upper edge 113 137.

Referring now more specifically to FIG. 4, in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention, the lower curved end 46 of firstattachment means 40 is fixedly engaged against a front surface 132 a ofthe forward sidewall 132, proximal the upper edge 133 thereof, of thecargo bay 130 of the truck 120, and lower surface 44 b of the body 44 offirst attachment means 40 is engaged against the upper edge 133 of theforward sidewall 132. Attraction between the body 44 of first attachmentmeans 40 and the upper edge 133 ensures the engagement of the body 44 offirst attachment means 40 with the upper edge 133, and attractionbetween the lower curved end 46 of first attachment means 40 with thefront surface 132 a of the forward sidewall 132 ensures the engagementof the lower curved end 46 of first attachment means 40 with the frontsurface 132 a of the forward sidewall 132.

The lower curved end 46 of second attachment means 42 is fixedly engagedagainst a rear surface 136 a of the rear sidewall 136, proximal theupper edge 137 thereof, of the cargo bay 130 of the truck 120, and lowersurface 44 b the body 44 of the second attachment means 42 is engagedagainst the upper edge 137 of the rear sidewall 136. Attraction betweenthe body 44 of the second attachment means 42 and the upper edge 137ensures the engagement of the body 44 of the second attachment means 42with the upper edge 137, and attraction between the lower curved end 46of second attachment means 42 with the rear surface 136 a of the rearsidewall 136 ensures the engagement of the lower curved end 46 of secondattachment means 42 with the rear surface 136 a of the rear sidewall136.

In order to ensure the load 12 is secured to the load support structure100, the lever 32 of ratchet mechanism 31 is actuated to tighten tensionin strap 22. Once strap 22 is sufficiently taut to secure the load 12 tothe load support structure 100, the lever 32 is operated to a lockedclosed position, thereby maintaining strap 22 tension. To release thestrap 22 tension, the lever 32 is operated to a locked open position,thereby releasing the tension load on the strap 22 and allowing thestrap 22 to be freely pulled in the non-tensioning direction. Theattachment means 40, 42 are disengaged and the flexible linking device20 is removed from atop the load 12.

Referring now to FIGS. 6-8, an alternate embodiment of the presentinvention is disclosed wherein the attachment means 40′, 42′ eachcomprises a body 44′ having an upper surface 44 a′ and a lower surface44 b′. The body 44′ further includes a magnet 140 suitably mountedthereto. The magnet 140 is preferably a planar plate 142 suitablymounted to the lower surface 44 b′ of the body 44′ of each attachmentmeans 40′, 42′. The body 44′ has an upper end 45′ attached to arespective loop 24 of the strap 22, and a lower curved end 46′. Thelower curved end 46′ of each attachment means 40′, 42′ provides a hookportion for fixedly engaging a respective attachment means receivingsurface 101.

Referring now more specifically to FIG. 8, similar to the preferredembodiment described hereinabove, the body 44′ of each attachment means40′, 42′ of the alternate embodiment is engaged against a respectiveupper edge 113, 137 of the sidewall 112, 136 of the load supportstructure 100, whereby attraction between each magnet 140 of each body44′ with each respective upper edge 113, 137 ensures the engagement ofeach magnet 140, and hence each body 44′, with each respective upperedge 113, 137. The lever 32 of ratchet mechanism 31 is actuated totighten tension in strap 22, thereby ensuring load 12 is secured to theload support structure 100.

The magnetic or magnetized attachment means 40, 42 and magnet 140 maycomprise a wide variety of permanent magnets including rare earthmagnets, alnico magnets, ceramic magnets, and flexible magnets. Othersuitable magnets for use as described hereinabove may include rare earthmagnets such as Samarium Cobalt and neodymium iron classes.

Ceramic or Ferrite magnets are made of a composite of iron oxide andbarium or strontium carbonate. These materials are readily available andat a lower cost than other types of materials used in permanent magnetsmaking it desirable due to the lower cost. Ceramic magnets are producedusing pressing and sintering, but are brittle and require diamond wheelsif grinding is necessary. These magnets are made in different grades.Ceramic grade 1 is an isotropic grade having equal magnetic propertiesin all directions. Ceramic grades 5 and 8 are anisotropic grades.Anisotropic magnets are magnetized in the direction of pressing. Theanisotropic method delivers the highest energy product among ceramicmagnets at values up to 3.5 MGOe (Mega Gauss Oersted). Ceramic magnetspossess a good balance of magnetic strength, resistance todemagnetization and low cost.

Flexible magnets are magnets made of flexible materials that are bondedwith a magnetic material. Flexible magnets are advantageous in that theymay be bent, coiled, twisted, or otherwise machined into almost anydesired shape without depleting their magnetic field. Flexible magnetsare corrosion resistant, do not need a coating, are easily machined, andmay be bonded with a high magnetic energy material.

Rare earth metal magnets are composed of more expensive magneticmaterial. Rare earth magnets may be coated onto a flexible material,e.g., plastic or nylon, and will provide excellent magnetic strength andflexibility. These magnets can also be manufactured so as to be verythin.

Alnico magnets are made primarily from a composite of aluminum, nickel,and cobalt with small amounts of other elements added to enhance theproperties of the magnet. Alnico magnets possess excellent temperaturestability, good resistance to demagnetization due to shock, but areeasily demagnetized. Alnico magnets are produced by two typical methods,namely, casting or sintering. Sintering offers superior mechanicalcharacteristics, whereas casting delivers higher energy products (up to5.5 MGOe) and allows for the design of intricate shapes. Alnico magnetsare made in different grades. Grades 5 and 8, which are anisotropicgrades, are two very common grades. Anisotropic grades provide for apreferred direction of magnetic orientation. Alnico magnets have beenreplaced in many applications by ceramic and rare earth magnets.

The use of the present invention allows a single individual to secure aload 12 to a load support structure 100 via the flexible linking device20 in a quick, easy, and efficient manner.

It is envisioned that the various embodiments, as separately disclosed,are interchangeable in various aspects, so that elements of oneembodiment may be incorporated into one or more of the otherembodiments, and that specific positioning of individual elements maynecessitate other arrangements not specifically disclosed to accommodateperformance requirements or spatial considerations.

It is to be understood that the embodiments and claims are not limitedin its application to the details of construction and arrangement of thecomponents set forth in the description and illustrated in the drawings.Rather, the description and the drawings provide examples of theembodiments envisioned, but the claims are limited to the specificembodiments. The embodiments and claims disclosed herein are furthercapable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out invarious ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology andterminology employed herein are for the purposes of description andshould not be regarded as limiting the claims.

Accordingly, those skilled in the art will appreciate that theconception upon which the application and claims are based may bereadily utilized as a basis for the design of other structures, methods,and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the embodiments andclaims presented in this application. It is important, therefore, thatthe claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions.

Furthermore, the purpose of the foregoing Abstract is to enable the U.S.Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especiallyincluding the practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patentand legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursoryinspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of theapplication. The Abstract is neither intended to define the claims ofthe application, nor is it intended to be limiting to the scope of theclaims in any way. It is intended that the application is defined by theclaims appended hereto.

Therefore, the foregoing description is included to illustrate theoperation of the preferred embodiment and is not meant to limit thescope of the invention. As one can envision, an individual skilled inthe relevant art, in conjunction with the present teachings, would becapable of incorporating many minor modifications that are anticipatedwithin this disclosure. The foregoing descriptions of specificembodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes ofillustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive orto limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviouslymany modifications and variations are possible in light of the aboveteaching. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to bestexplain the principles of the invention and its practical application,to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize theinvention and various embodiments with various modifications as aresuited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended that the scopeof the invention be defined by the Claims appended hereto and theirequivalents. Therefore, the scope of the invention is to be broadlylimited only by the following Claims.

1. A load securement device for securing a load to a load supportstructure, the load securement device comprising: a flexible linkingdevice, the flexible linking device comprises: an elongated flexiblelinking means, the elongated flexible linking means having opposingends; an attachment means, the attachment means is attached to each ofthe opposing ends of the elongated flexible linking means; and anadjustment mechanism for tensioning and removing tension from theelongated flexible linking means.
 2. The load securement device of claim1, wherein the elongated flexible linking means is adjustable in lengthto suit a size of the load.
 3. The load securement device of claim 1,wherein the attachment means is magnetic or magnetized.
 4. The loadsecurement device of claim 1, wherein the adjustment mechanism is aratchet mechanism.
 5. The load securement device of claim 3, wherein theattachment means each further comprises an elongated planar body beingmagnetic or magnetized, the body comprising: an upper surface; a lowersurface, the lower surface engages a respective attachment meansreceiving surface of the load support structure; an upper end, the upperend is attached to a respective opposed end of the elongated flexiblelinking means; and a lower curved end, the lower curved end of each theattachment means provides a hook portion for fixedly engaging therespective attachment means receiving surface or a hook receivingsurface of the load support structure, wherein the receiving surface orthe hook receiving surface is magnetically attractive or magneticallyconductive, and whereby attraction between each the lower curved end andthe body with the respective receiving surface ensures the engagement ofeach the lower curved end and the body with the respective receivingsurface.
 6. The load securement device of claim 1, wherein the elongatedflexible linking means is a strap.
 7. A load securement device forsecuring a load to a load support structure, the load securement devicecomprising: a flexible linking device, the flexible linking devicecomprises: an elongated flexible linking means, the elongated flexiblelinking means having a first end opposing a second end; a firstattachment means, the first attachment means is suitably attached to thefirst end of the elongated flexible linking means; a second attachmentmeans, the second attachment means is suitably attached to the secondend of the elongated flexible linking means; and an adjustment mechanismfor tensioning and removing tension from the elongated flexible linkingmeans.
 8. The load securement device of claim 7, wherein the elongatedflexible linking means is adjustable in length to suit a size of theload.
 9. The load securement device of claim 7, wherein the adjustmentmechanism is a ratchet mechanism.
 10. The load securement device ofclaim 7, wherein the first attachment means and the second attachmentmeans are magnetic or magnetized.
 11. The load securement device ofclaim 7, wherein the first end of the elongated flexible linking meansincludes a loop formed thereat to which the first attachment means isattached, and wherein the second end of the elongated flexible linkingmeans includes a loop formed thereat to which the second attachmentmeans is attached.
 12. The load securement device of claim 11, whereinthe first attachment means and the second attachment means each furthercomprises an elongated planar body, the body comprising: an uppersurface; a lower surface; an upper end, the upper end is attached to arespective loop of the elongated flexible linking means; and a lowercurved end, the lower curved end of each the first attachment means andthe second attachment means provides a hook portion for fixedly engaginga respective attachment means receiving surface or a hook receivingsurface of the load support structure, wherein the receiving surface orthe hook receiving surface is magnetically attractive or magneticallyconductive.
 13. The load securement device of claim 7, wherein theelongated flexible linking means is a strap.
 14. A load securementdevice for securing a load to a load support structure, the loadsecurement device comprising: a flexible linking device, the flexiblelinking device comprises: an elongated adjustable flexible linkingmeans, the elongated adjustable flexible linking means having a firstend opposing a second end; a first attachment means, the firstattachment means is suitably attached to the first end of the elongatedadjustable flexible linking means; a second attachment means, the secondattachment means is suitably attached to the second end of the elongatedadjustable flexible linking means; and an adjustment mechanism fortensioning and removing tension from the elongated adjustable flexiblelinking means.
 15. The load securement device of claim 14, wherein theadjustment mechanism is a ratchet mechanism.
 16. The load securementdevice of claim 14, wherein the first end of the elongated adjustableflexible linking means includes a loop formed thereat to which the firstattachment means is attached, and wherein the second end of theelongated adjustable flexible linking means includes a loop formedthereat to which the second attachment means is attached.
 17. The loadsecurement device of claim 16, wherein the first attachment means andthe second attachment means each further comprises an elongated planarbody, the body comprising: an upper surface; a lower surface; an upperend, the upper end is attached to a respective loop of the elongatedadjustable flexible linking means; and a lower curved end, the lowercurved end of each the first attachment means and the second attachmentmeans provides a hook portion for fixedly engaging a respectiveattachment means receiving surface or a hook receiving surface of theload support structure, wherein the receiving surface or the hookreceiving surface is magnetically attractive or magnetically conductive.18. The load securement device of claim 17, wherein the body includes amagnet suitably mounted thereto.
 19. The load securement device of claim14, wherein the elongated adjustable flexible linking means is a strap.